The authorities in Jackson, Mississippi, have arrested Daniel Callihan on suspicion of murdering Callie Brunett in Tangipahoa Parish, Lousiana, and of abducting her two young children. Callihan is also suspected of killing one of the children in Jackson.
The family of 35-year-old Callie last had contact with her and her daughters, 6-year-old Jalie Brunett and 4-year-old Erin Brunett, on Tuesday.
Callie was reported missing on Wednesday, and yesterday morning, Callie’s father found her remains in a trailer in Loranger, LA. She was covered in blood, and her children were missing.
Lousiana State Police issued an Amber Alert for Jalie and Erin. They also put out an alert for a male suspect driving a black 2012 Chrysler 200, who they suspected was the killer and abductor.
This suspect turned out to be Daniel Callihan. The Tangipahoa Parish cops believe Callihan was in a relationship with Callie.
Yesterday evening, US Marshals, with the assistance of Jackson PD, tracked down Callihan in south Jackson. After a short chase, the 36-year-old was taken into custody.
Erin Brunett found dead, and Jalie Brunett sent to hospital as Daniel Callihan booked into a Jackson jail
Tragically, the police found the remains of 4-year-old Erin in the nearby woods. Her sister, Jalie, was found in Callihan’s car, and despite an injury, it is thought she will survive the horrendous ordeal. She was sent to a hospital and was reunited with her grandparents.
Watch the Latest on our YouTube ChannelJackson Police Chief Joseph Wade said in a press conference that technology, including a license plate reader, played a vital role in locating Callihan and the children.
Chief Wade also claimed they found small animal cages in the area where the girls were found, which they suspect may be used for people trafficking. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation has been informed and is investigating.
Wade told reporters, “Based on the crime scene, what it looks like, this may be the place where there has been some human trafficking done. We see cages, small animal cages. This is very, very disturbing to me as a police chief and as a father to witness and see what I saw.”
Jackson police and MBI will check Daniel Callihan arrest scene for human trafficking
The police chief added, “This individual has used this location to traffic and abduct children. We want to ensure that he and anyone else involved are prosecuted for this act. We’re going to work this crime scene with a scalpel, not a sledgehammer.”
Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Daniel Edwards said in a statement, “Our hearts are with all those affected by this tragic event. These are unspeakable crimes. We ask everyone to keep Callie’s family in your prayers.”
So far, it is unclear which charges Callihan is facing. And as always, all suspects should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.